Stephen Briggs Obituary

Stephen Briggs II
AIKEN - Stephen F. Briggs II passed peacefully at home with his loved ones at his bedside.
He was the only child of Stephen A. Briggs and Joan Nichols, born in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating from The Canterbury School in Kent, CT, he matriculated at Cornell University. Twice. Finally realizing that engineering was not for him, he attended and graduated from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. His entrepreneurial spirit came alive. However, being the dutiful grandson, he entered the family business, Outboard Marine Corp., makers of Evinrude and Johnson motors. He traveled extensively for business in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and even lived in Belgium for a while with his first wife, Lorna Sargent of Denver, CO. Together they had three children. One of his fondest memories was two nights spent in a jail cell in Baghdad, Iraq.
The mid-1970s were a time of big changes for Steve. He got divorced, quit the corporate world, beat cancer, and moved to Miami, FL. With two former employees, he started America's Trade and Supply, an international trading company. Initially, it serviced the Caribbean but grew to be a global firm that expanded to include a freight shipper. After marrying Doris Teeling of MA, one of his real estate investment partners, he semi-retired to spend more time at their home in Naples, FL. Once again, Steve reinvented himself. He and an architect friend opened a restaurant in historic Naples. He remained a partner in the Old Naples Pub and the Village Pub in Naples.
Steve was always open to fun and adventure. He and Doris traveled extensively, including a trip to China before it had opened to foreign travelers. Together they parented many beloved dogs and horses over 36 years. They co-piloted their RV, visiting all the National Parks in the West. After a friend introduced him to mountain climbing, Steve climbed the Rockies, White Mountains, Swiss Alps, Grand Canyon, and New Zealand. At the age of 66, he took up Doris' love of horseback riding while living in Taos, NM. With their mounts and four dogs, they rode up and down the East Coast until discovering Aiken, SC and his beloved Hitchcock Woods. In 2008, they decided to move there.
The highlight of Steve's life (besides Doris) was his therapy dog, Serena, and their mission of bringing comfort to the sick and needy. They received the highest accreditation from a very selective therapy organization. Steve and Serena visited hospitals, nursing homes, and especially special needs classes in schools. His favorite class was Uyen Griffis' special needs class at Hammond Hill School in North Augusta, SC. Serena had a special way with autistic children. More than one parent told Steve that their nonverbal child suddenly started talking about Serena.
He is survived by his wife, Doris; daughters Sandy Greene (Andrew), Shelley Patenaude, and son, Stephen; stepdaughters Lauren Adams (Don), Leslie Adams, and stepson Michael Teeling (Amy). He leaves 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Special thanks to their dear friends and neighbors, Bill and Wendy Whitehead, who went beyond measure gifting their love and help.
Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, from 5-7PM at Shellhouse Funeral Home on 924 Hayne Ave. Aiken, SC.
Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at 11AM at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church on Silver Bluff Rd., Aiken, SC.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Steve's name to FOTAS, Aiken County's animal shelter, at 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC 29801.
SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801